How successful are......10points best answer

Question

how successful are electric cars in australia?

cost, fuel and enviroment friendly wise.

Answer 1

The search for alternative ways to fuel vehicles really is in full swing now but it appears that Australia is slow in getting in on the act even though $500 million has been set aside for this in the 2008 budget. Even more surprising is that there has been a sustained effort in Australia by at least one company to promote electric transport for the last 39 years. Several prototypes have been produced, tested and found to provide satisfactory service even with existing conventional lead batteries. However, complacency and counteraction by vested interests blocked mass production.

In the Australian eMagazine Green Motoring (PDF 2.31MB) we can now read about hybrid cars in Japan and hydro-powered cars in the US and Sweden, but both have disadvantages. Solar powered cars, several of which have been trialed in competitions in Australia, are still far from being sufficiently advanced for commercial purposes and practical use.

This situation favours the all-electric car, particularly if more efficient and lighter batteries can be mass-produced. Battery farms and wall plugs should also be provided in public places. These are not insurmountable problems at all. What is required is the political will to back such a major technological as well as cultural transformation. Fast public decision-making and leading by example are the prerequisites for success.

Sure, the batteries may not be entirely pollution free and more electricity would have to be produced, naturally by sustainable means. Such a massive fuel revolution will require government intervention and leadership on a grand scale. The North Sydney Council has announced one shining example just a few days ago. It is "on-track" to be the first in Australia to install plug-in stations, to meet the expected uptake of hybrid cars (North Shore Times, June 20, 2008)

Answer 2

studies show that to purchase an electric car outright - the savings in fuel will take on average 20 years to recover the cost of the vehicle and it emissions are almost as much as the new 4 cylinder holden astra, ford focus etc - there is alot more research that needs to be undertaken to improve the emissions and economic value in electric cars... i would wait another 5 years for improved versions to be brought out